How do I find a farm equipment dealership for sale in Canada?

Farm equipment dealerships are not listed as often as restaurants or shops. There are few of them in any region, the owners tend to be well known locally, and many sales happen without a public notice. That means a search works best on several fronts at once: the open market, the manufacturer, and the owners themselves. Here is where to look and how to approach each.

Listings and brokers

Start with business-for-sale listings and search for tractor, agriculture and equipment dealerships. Then tell a few business brokers who handle agricultural or equipment businesses exactly what you want. A broker may be working on a sale that has not been posted yet. Expect to sign a confidentiality agreement before you see the name or the financial detail.

The manufacturer and the dealer network

A dealership usually sells under an agreement with one or more manufacturers, and those manufacturers care who owns their stores. The territory manager often hears first when a dealer wants out, and some manufacturers keep a list of approved buyers. Ask what the approval process looks like before you spend time on any one store. Our buying guide covers what to evaluate once you find one.

Owners who may be ready

Retiring owners with no family successor are the most common reason a dealership comes up. Dealer groups that are consolidating may also shed a store that no longer fits. If a particular dealer interests you, a short, courteous letter or visit that asks whether they have ever thought about their next step is one way to start. Be ready to explain who you are and how you would finance a purchase.

Before you reach out

• Decide which brands and which kinds of equipment you would be comfortable running.
• Know how far you are willing to move or travel for the right territory.
• Have a short summary of your background and how you plan to pay for the purchase.
• Ask your lawyer to prepare a confidentiality agreement you can offer up front.